A Steady Keel

In this sermon, Bill Chapman draws on his love of sailing to illustrate how Jesus is the "steady keel" in our lives, keeping us on course amidst life's challenges. Using sailing imagery, he explains that just as a boat needs both a sail and a keel to navigate, we too need the right balance in our spiritual lives. The sail represents our character and our direction, while the keel represents Jesus, who stabilises and grounds us. Without a keel, a sailboat is at the mercy of the wind, drifting wherever the wind blows it. Likewise, without the steady foundation of Jesus in our lives, we are prone to being tossed about by the pressures and circumstances we face. The keel, however, gives the boat stability and helps it move forward in the direction it is meant to go, no matter the strength of the wind or the height of the waves. Bill emphasizes that in life, we will face challenges, storms, and adversity, but if our "keel" is secure—anchored in Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit—we will remain on course. He uses Hebrews 2:1 (MSG), reminding us to hold firm to what we have learned so we don’t drift away. He also links the concept of the steady keel to the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the core of Christian faith. Just as a boat’s keel must be well-formed to endure the wind, our lives must be rooted in the truths of our faith—God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, Bill encourages us to understand what our keel is—our faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit—and to rely on it in order to navigate through the pressures of life. No matter how difficult or overwhelming the journey becomes, trusting in God as our steady keel will ensure we remain on course, moving forward toward His purpose for us.